“Pearls! Well, then, give them to me. For them, and for them only, shall I grant your request. No?” he asked, as Pinocchio shook his head. “Very well, then. Good-by.”
“Come back! Come back!” cried Pinocchio. “Only hasten to save Marsovino!”
Without a word more he handed his precious pearls to the narwhal, and then quick as a flash was back at Marsovino’s side.
“Marsovino! Marsovino! Open your eyes, dear friend! You are saved!”
He had not finished speaking when with a crash a great piece of rock fell. Another crash, and the hole widened; another, and the hole was wide enough for Marsovino to pass through. The water from the sea flowed in. Marsovino opened his eyes at the great noise. He was so surprised that he felt almost entirely well.
“What is it?” he asked feebly.
“Come, Marsovino, come! Try to drag yourself this short space, and you’ll be in the water again. Come!”
Pinocchio helped him all he could. He lifted the heavy treasure boxes off the poor dolphin’s back. He smoothed the sand. He cleared away the stones. Still poor Marsovino’s body was all torn and bleeding before the short trip was finished.